Two handmade designs are announced in the collaboration for 2024
Rigards has reunited with Ziggy Chen to create a dual release synergizing eyewear and high fashion. Defined by bold and assured silhouettes, the two co-branded frames were conceived as a response to a unique challenge: eyewear that will not only style well with hats, but equally will not be easily dislodged. The designers found inspiration, in particular, in the mountaineering style and oversized climbing shades of the 1980s.
The model RG1941ZC ‘Z-Goggle’ naturally resurrects the spirit of 1980s alpine goggles, and is described as having a directional yet easy edge. This titanium frame features ‘staircasing’ stepped curves, a signature architectural element that demonstrates evolutionary continuity to the preceding installment in this collaborative series. The stepped profiles fan out onto the side-shields, their small undulation further articulating the geometric presence and creating subtle shadow-play. The double-sided guilloché flourish on the temples enhances grip and lessens slipping from desired positions, the characteristic texture again circling back to the overarching imagery of nāgas and serpents. Above: Rigards x Ziggy Chen edition: RG1941ZC ‘Z-Goggle’
2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the partnership between RIGARDS and Ziggy Chen, a milestone the designers saw as a timely chance to revisit natural horn, the material that set the ball rolling for the creative collaboration. Reimagining in fuller proportions the calligraphic associations behind their earliest work, they designed an atypical pantos model RG1940ZC ‘Z-Horn’ , the simplicity of its exaggerated form a reference to broad, impassioned Eastern brushstrokes, but also smooth, bevel-edged inkstones. Titanium lens cages, an exclusive feature, are engraved with guilloché, with a scale-like pattern that represents a nod to the imminent Year of the Dragon.
RIGARDS x Ziggy Chen RG1940ZC and RG1941ZC are set to launch in-stores in Q3 of 2024, in 7 and 5 elegant colours, respectively. Each pair comes with a stitch-free origami case, made from a single piece of vegetable-tanned Santa Croce leather. Find out more at www.rigards.com – copyright applies. All rights reserved.